Want to lose yourself in the otherworldliness that is Las Vegas, only a few minutes later to root yourself firmly in everyday America? Consider Henderson, Nev.
Henderson is located mere minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and McCarran International. Early this fall it hosts the sort of athletics, arts and culture that play perfectly in anytown USA.
- Start off Sept. 9 with the 2012 Marine Corps Ironman World Championship 70.3. Hundreds of athletes from all 50 states and a slew of foreign countries are expected to descend on Henderson to tackle the taxing triathlon. It begins with a 1.2-mile swim in Lake Las Vegas, at Lake Las Vegas Resort. Next up is a full 56-mile bike ride through Lake Mead National Recreation Area, one that presents several steep climbs. Participants finish up with a 13.1-mile run through residential sections of Henderson, the Las Vegas Strip in the background.
- Another mean of motion gets top bill Sept. 20 – 23 as the Super Run Classic Car Show comes to town. All shades of extraordinary vehicles will be in Henderson for the admiring: vintage cars, classic cars, street cars, hot rods, muscle cars, street rods, competition vehicles and customs. It’s at the Henderson Events Plaza.
- Slotted in between the Ironman and the steel cars, is the annual Ho’olaule’a Pacific Islands Festival, a celebration of Hawaiian culture in the middle of the deep desert. Slated for Sept. 10 and 11 – also at the Henderson Events Plaza – come savor island flavors, learn about island culture and see Hawaiian performances.
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is easily accessible from most of North America, and there’s plenty of nonstop service. Southwest Airlines is a major player at LAS.
(Image: Sir Hectimere)
